Last Days of Christmas

PHEW!!!!!

The last week leading up to Christmas just FLEW by. Between getting in last minute visits with friends, family time and singing, the week disappeared so quickly that I suddenly found myself back in the car, driving across the country before I even knew what was happening!

So, here goes:

Visiting with Friends - I got to visit with so many friends, including Jessi and Steph (who were in town from Portland and South Africa respectively). It was so much fun to see them and have some quality time together!

Left to Right: Steph, me, Jess!

Sick! - One of the hard parts about having a three year old preschooler for a goddaughter is that oftentimes you end up with an awesome sickness that she picked up from some other kid. Yum. Caity's parents Nik and Solange ended up getting sick along with Jason and I with some awesome stomach funk. We're all finally feeling better, though!

Caroling! - I had a great time spending a few days caroling with Rene's quartet. We even were the quartet that will be featured in next year's Knott's Berry Farm Christmas Commercial! It was so much fun to spend a few days with my tenor from last year, Reggie, and to get to know Rene and Janell better. Thanks, guys!

All dressed up for the Knott's Tree Lighting Show! Left to Right: Rene, Janell, Me, Reggie

Christmas Day! - Caity-monkey received a big basket of dress-up jewelry from my parents. She proceeded to dress me up like her own personal doll! Check out all those mardi-gras beads! (Insert crude joke here.) It was a slightly hectic, but lovely, Christmas day! Check out how glam my sister Kelli was!

Dressed up by Caity for Christmas! The flower on my head is the final touch. Aren't I beautimous?

Kelli and I all glammed up for Christmas!

Driving to Florida! - We made the drive to Florida in three days, stopping for a while in New Orleans (my first trip to the city ever!). It was a surprisingly smooth and easy drive, although we both are still recovering from the trip. By the way, check out the gas prices we saw on the road. Jealous?

Gas somewhere in Arizona.

Sunrise over Texas!

So, that's where we're at! It's currently New Years Eve, and we're in Orlando, packing to leave on our cruise tomorrow. We're headed to Honduras, Belize and two stops in Mexico. The weather should be beautiful, and the seas calmer than our last trip. :) Tonight? We continue our lovely Christmas celebration with Jason's family, simultaneously welcoming in the New Year.

How about you? What are YOU doing New Years Eve? And incidentally, let me wish you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!